Electric snap switch



Apr-i1 25, .1933.

A. W. KRIEGER ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH Filed May 5,/ 1932 Patented pr. 25, 19.33

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE ALVIN W. KRIEGER, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO TLERQFHAMMER, INC., OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION F DELAWARE ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH Application tiled Hay 5, 1932. Serial No. 609.442.

This invention relates to improvements in electric snap switches, and more particularly to toggle lever operated switches adapted for one hole mounting.

6 An object of the invention is to provide an electric snap switch of diminutive size for use with )ortable electrical appliances wherein the ailowable space for the circuit controlling mechanism is extremely limited.

Another object is to provide a switch of the aforementioned character having an unusually high rating or current controlling capacity whereby the same may be employed in lieu of the larger and more expensive switches of the prior art. n

Another object is to generally improve the form and arrangement of the parts of switches of the aforementioned character whereby the above objects are attained.

Another object is to provide a movable contacter and combined `.stationary contact and terminal members of novel form, in conjunction with novel means for supporting the same in cooperative relationshlp to each other.

Another object is toprovide a substantially enclosed chamber for the stationary and movable contact elements of the snap switch, together with a novel form of insulating actuator for the movable contact whereby liability of grounding any of the current carrying parts is practically eliminated.

Another and more specific object is to minimize the number of parts of the snap switch as a whole and to facilitate tbe assembling of such parts.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawing illustrates an embodiment of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the embodiment illustrated is susceptible of modification in certain detailsv of construction thereof without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawing;

Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view, in separated relation, of the several arts 50 of a toggle type snap switch, adapte for one-hole mounting, as constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View, on the line 2 2 of Fig. 3,--but showing all of the snap switch parts in assembled position.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the insulating base illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and with the one-piece combined contact and terminal members'shown in position, and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View, 1on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3, and illustratin" in dotted lines the initial cross sectional form of the terminal portion of one of the combined Contact and terminal members.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral '10 designates a base formed of any suitable insulating -material,-such\ material preferably being of the phenolformaldehyde condensation type sold commercially under tlio trade name of bakelite. Said base is preferably of rectangular form as illustrated, and the same is provided with a relatively deep substantially rectangular recess 11 which opens to the upper surface thereof. As best illustrated in Fig. 3 the recess 11 is somewhat enlarged at one end thereof to provide the lateral pockets 11, 11b which .provide clearance for the flared ends of the grooves l2 and 18 of substantially U-shape in cross section, said grooves having inte\d gral projections which preferably are in the form of straight-sidod ribs 12, 13 extending between the side walls of said grooves at like points intermediate the length thereof. I prefer to employ a pair of one-piece combined Contact and termi'- nal members of the form best illustrated at 14 and 15 in Fig. 1. The terminal portions 14, 15 of said members are likewise of substantially U-shapc in cross section,- the side walls of said terminal portions being initially slightly spread as shown in Fig. 1, and as betterI illustrated in dotted lines in-Fig. 4, to require a press fit thereof Within said grooves in a relation substantially flush with the upper surface of base 10. Also asbest illustrated in Fig. 4 the 100 indicated at 14", 15 to provide end lugs 14, 15d which may be pressed toward each other (as by means of a pair of pliers) after insertion et' the circuit Wires to clamp the latter in position and` facilitate soldering thereof to said terminal portions. Notehes 14"', 15C may also serve to accommodate the ends of circuit wires brought in at right angles to the termianl portions 14, 15 for soldering thereof to the latter.

Formed integrally with the respective outer side walls of the terminal portions 14", 15 and projecting forwardly at points spaced downwardly from the upper edges of the latter are the connecting portions 14", 15 which are bent inwardly toward each other as shown to provide for positioning of the downwardly extending resilient contact portions 14', 15? in planes intersecting the centers of the bottom wallsvot' terminal portions 14, 15". Contact .portions 14', 15r extend downwardly at angles slightly convergent toward each other, and the bottom wall of recess 11 is provided with a projection 11 against the opposite sides lll and 11 of which the lower ends of said contact portions are adapted to yieldably abut to insure a predetermined minimum space Vrelation therebetween. As best illustrated in Fig. 2 the lower ends ol contact portions 14' and 15 are spaced a sulieient distance above the bottom wall of recess 11 to permit said ends to yield outwardly under the impact. or pressure of the bridging contacter. Said lower ends of the contact portions 14 and 15r are respectively provided with forward projections 14, 14h and 15, lhsarranged in downwardly stepped relation to each other, and said projections are lhent outwardly at an angle to said contact portions to facilitate movement of the contacter therebetween.

The recess 11 is provided in its opposite side Walls with a pair of vertical ribs 16 and 17, said ribs having open bearings 16 and 17 formed in the upper ends thereof.. The contacter consists of a flat punched sheet metal member 18 of substantially U-shape, the arms of said member having outward extensions 1.8 and 18" adapted to seat within said bearings. Upon oscillation of member 18 the arms thereof move in very close proximity to the surfaces of ribs 16 and 17.

Also as best illustrated in Fig. 3 the tips 14", 15" at the lower ends of the contact portions are positioned at one side of ribs 16 and 17 respectively and slightly behind'the outer surfaces of the latter. It follows that upon circuit interrupting movement of contacter 18 the same will transiently engage the flared projections 14", 15 and any arcs formed incident to separation of the contactor will be drawn from the tips 14, 15; whereas due to the positioning of the latter the arcs so formed will be drawn by the contacter across the surfaces of the ribs 1G and 17, thus providing for cooling ,of such arcs for rapid extinguishment of the same.

In this connection I desire to point out that Figs. 2 and 3 are drawn to a scale of three. times the actual size of the switch; and to the aforementioned structural details affording the are minimizing and are extinguishing clmraeteristics l. attribute the success of my switch in properly controlling currents of relatively high value. Thus the switch herein discloscdhas a standard rating. of 8 am )eres- 250 volts or (iampereS-v-IQ volts. ther structural details-of the combination of course contribute to attainment of the, desired results. Thus, I am enabled to employ an oscillatahle contacter having a relatively small amount ol inertia, whereby the speed thereof under the driving force of spring 19 is very rapid.

lhe lower end ot spring 1.9 engages an abutment otusual form. Fitted into the upper end ol spring 19 is an abutment member 20, which is preferably machined in the lnanner illustrated to'provide a (lished or cone-shaped upper surface 2().. Adapted to overlie the upper surface of base l() is a flat punched plate. 21 of liber or other suitable insulating material, said plate being adapted to substantially close the open upper end of recess 11, and said plate having a relatively narrow slot 21 extending longitudinally thereof to provide clearance for an insulating plunger or pin 22 and to guide and limit the latter for movement thereof in a single plane,-pin 22 being preferably of cylindrical form as illustrated, and the same ing of corresponding size provided in the metal top p1ate,-said plate being bulged or offset around said opening as shown at 25* shanks of suitable securing elements suchas the rivets 26 and 27, the base being provided with recesses or countersinks as shown p. in Fig. 2 to accommodate the rivet heads.

Insulating plate 21 is provided with openings 21b and 21 and metal top plate 25 is provided with openings 25b and 25 to respectively receive the hollow upper ends of rivets 26 and 27, said ends being upset as shown in Fig. 2 -to rigidly and permanently secure all of the switch parts in assembled relation. The insulating plate 21 will thus be clamped in position by the metal top plate 25, and said insulating plate 21 will in turn act to clamp the combined contact andteminal members 14 and 15 in position.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3 the adjacent walls of the U-shaped terminal portions 14, 15* are cut away slightly at the points 14, 15l to provide proper electrical clearance between the same and rivet 26. If desired, of course, the openings 25", 25 in metal top plate 25 may be tapped to receive the shanks of screws assubstitutes for the rivets 26, 27; but I prefer to employ the arrangement illustrated whereby accidental separation of the switch parts is insured against.

Base 10 may have formed integrally therewith the end extension 10 to form an insulating barrier between the outer ends of the terminal portions 14, 15 and the circuit wires connected thereto.

As will be understood the sprin 19 is at all times compressed to a suitab e degree whereby the same exerts a downward force to retain the contactor 18 in its bearings while at the same time exerting an upward pressure to retain the enlargement 23 of lever 23 in bearing enga ment with the flange 24 of bushing 24. oreover, it will be apparent that the lower end of lever 23 is of such size as to engage the upper surface of plate 21 upon a slight downward displacement of said lever. The arrangement is therefore such that all grounded parts of Athe device are at all times located outside of the switch chamber. l

Lever 23 is preferabl provided at the outer end thereof` with a nob 23, said knob being freely insertable upwardly through the bushing l24. Due to the interfitting relationship between the insulating pin22 and lever 23 the latter is likewise limited to oscillatory movement in a single plane. The end walls of recess '11 are preferably rovided with vertical grooves 11t and 11 vo arcuate cross section to provide proper clearance for the lower end of spring 19.

What I claim as new and desireA to secure by Letters Patent is:

A1. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recesss openin to the upper surface thereof, said base having a pair of rspaced grooves formed in said upper surface at one end thereof and communicating with said recess. said grooves being of substantially :U-shape in cross section, a pair of one-piece combined contact and terminal members, the terminal portions of said members being also of Isubstantially iU-shape and the sides thereof being initiall -slightly spread to g provide for a press t thereof wlthin the so respective grooves in a relation substantially flush with the upper surface of-said base, said terminal portions having openings formed in the bottom walls thereof, said ooves having projections formed integra 1y with the bottom walls thereof and adapted `to engage the walls of said open! ings, and an insulating plate secured to the upper surface of said base and having clamping engagement with the upper edges of said terminal portions. i

2. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess, a plurality of resilient stationary contacts secured to said base and having the free end portions thereof located. within said recess, lsaid end portions b ein normally biased towardseach other an said recess having abutments formed in. the walls thereof and engaged by said end portions for positive spacing of the latter, said recess having a pair of vertical ribsformed in the opposite side walls thereof respectively said ribs having open bearin s forme in the upper ends thereof, and a at punched sheet metal contactor of substantially lU-shape adapted to pivotally en'- gage said bearings, the arms of said contactor being movable in close proximity to said ribs into and out of engagement with said stationary contacts whereby any arcs formed incident to separation of said contactor from said contacts are drawn across saidl ribs to cool said arcs and vassist in extinguishing the same. v

3. In an electric Snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, spaced grooves formed in the upper surface of said base and communicating with said recess, a plurality of one-piece combined contact and terminal members the terminal portions of which are insertable with a press it into said grooves in a relatherein to 'retain said ends in definitely s aced relation, said recess having a pair oi) vertical ribs formed in the opposite side walls thereof, the free ends of sald contact portions being flared to extend behind said`- ribs respectively, said ribs having open bearings formed in the upper ends thereof, and a U-shaped flat punched sheet metal contactor oscillatabl supported within said bearings, the si e edges of said contactor being movable in close proximity to said ribs into and out of engagement with said contacts. p

4. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to the up er surface thereof, spaced grooves forme in the upper surface of said base and communicating with said recess, a plurality of one-piece .combined contact and terminal members the terminal portions of which are insertable with a press fit into said grooves in a relation substantially Hush with said upper surface and the resilient contact portions of which extend downwardly intoosaid recess, the free ends of said contact portions being normally biased toward each other and said recess having abutments formed therein to retain said ends in definitely spaced relation, said recess having a pair of vertical ribs formed in the opposite side walls thereof, the free endsy of said contact portions being flared tol extend behind said ribs respectively, said ribs having open bearings formed in the upper ends thereof, a U-shaped flat punched sheet metal contactor oscillatably supported within said bearings, the side edges of said contactor being movable in close proximity to said ribs into and out of engagement with said contacts, a coiled compression spring having one end thereof in engagement with said contactor, an abutment member at the other end of said spring, a relatively thin flat plate of insulating material overlying said recess and substantially closing the same, said plate having a relatively narrow slot formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof, a manually operable lever pivotally supported above saidbase, and an insulating member extending from said lever through said slot into engagement with said spring abutment member to provide for snap movements of said contactor to opposite extreme positions respectively upon corresponding movements of said lever.

5. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base havin' a recess, resilient -stationary contacts located within said recess, a flat punched sheet metal contactor pivoted directly upon the side walls of said recess, and means for effecting snap movements of said contactor intoand out of bridging engagement with said contacts, said means comprising a coiled compression spring havin one end thereof in engagement with sai contactor, an abutment member fitted into the other end of said spring, a relatively thin plate of insulating material overlying said base and adapted to substantially close said recess, said plate having a relativley narrow slot extending longitudinally thereof, an insulating rod havin@ one end thereof extending through said slot and engaging said abutment member, a manually operable lever having a socket to yreceive the other end of said rod, and a bushing roviding a ball and socket bearing for saici) lever, said spring acting to retain said lever and said contactor within their .respective bearings.

6. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess, resilient stationary contacts located within said recess, a flatpunched sheet metal contactor pivoted directly upon the side walls of said recess, and means for effecting snap movements of said contactor into and out of bridging 'engagement with said contacts, said means comprising a coiled compression sprin having one end thereof in engagement with said contactor, an abutment member fitted into the other end of said spring, a relatively thin plate of insulating material overlying said base and adapted to substantially close said recess, said plate having a relatively narrow slot extending longitudinally thereof, an insulating rod having one end thereof extending through said slot and engaging said abutment member, a manually operable lever having a socket to receive the other end of said rod, a bushin roviding a. ball and socket bearing for sai ever, said spring acting to retain said lever and said contactor Within their respective bearings, the walls of said slot acting to limit said insulating rod and said lever to movements in a single plane, and said insulating plate also acting to prevent substantial downward displacement of said lever from said bearing socket.

7. In an electric snap'switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to th'e upper surface thereof, said base having a pair of grooves of substantially ,U-shape in cross section formed in said upper surface and communicating with said recess, a pair of combined contact and terminal members the terminal portions of which are of U-shape in cross section and in'tially formed to require a press lit thereof within said grooves, an insulating top plate secured to said base and having clamping engagement with said terminal portions to retain the latter in assembled position, the contact portions of said members extending downwardly within said recess and being spaced from the bottom Wall of the latter, said contact portions being resiliently biased toward each.; other and the bottom wall of said recess having abutmentsformed thereon to be engaged by said contact portions whereby the latter are normally maintained in redetermined spaced relation, a flat punc ed sheet metal contactor pivotall supported directly by said base and mova le into and out of bridging relation to said contact portions, andv a pair of ribs formed integrally with the opposite side walls of said recess and in close proximity to which said contactor is adapted to move, whereby arcs dr wn between said contactor and said contacts are quickly cooled and extinguished by enga ement thereof with said ribs. i Y

8. n an electric sna switch, in 'combination, a molded insulating base having a recess, a pair of resilient stationary contacts secured to said base and having the free ends thereof biased toward each other and spaced -from the bottom wall of said recess, abutments formed on said bottom wall and engaged by said free ends to insure a predetermined spacing of the latter, a pair of vertical ribs formed on the respective side walls of said recess intermediate the length of the latter, said free ends of the contacts having iared tips extending behind said ribs at one side of the latter respectively, said ribs having open bearings formed therein at the up-- per vends thereof, a U-shaped sheet metal contactor having lateral projections pivotally engaging said bearings, the arms of said contactor being movable in close proximity to said ribs into and out of engagement with said contacts, a flat plate of insulatin material overlying the upper surface o said base and adapted to substantially close said. recess, said 'plate having a relatively narrow slot formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof, a metal top plateoverlying said insulating plate, an externally threaded hollow metal bushing secured to said metal top plate, said bushing having an vinternal annular shoulder forming a socket,

a manually operable lever having an en- 'lar ement adapted to bear within said soc et, an insulating element extending from said leverr throu h said slot and limited by the side walls o the latter to movement in a single plane, and a coiled compression s ring interposed between said insulating e ement and said contactor 'to effect snap movements of the latter into and out of engagement with said contacts upon corresponding movements of said lever.

9. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess, a iiat punched late of insulating material overlying said) base and adapted to substantially close said recess, said plate having a relatively narrow slot extending longitudinally thereof, a metal top plate overl ing said insulating plate, means for securing said top plate to said base and in ing having an internal annular flange, aA

manually operable lever havin an enlargement adapted to bear against said flange, said lever havin a cylindrical recess in the lower end thereo a cylindrical rod of insulating material 'located within said recess and having a portion projecting therefrom'to be guided ythe side walls of said slot whereby said lever is limited to oscillatory movement in a single plane, stationar and movable contact elements located wit in said recess, said movable contact being pivotally supported by the lwalls of said recess for oscillatory movement into and out of en agement with said stationary contacts, andg a coiled compression spring interposed between said insu ating ro an said movable contact to having a relatively narrow slot extending I longitudinally thereof, a metal top plate overlying said insulatin plate, means including a. pair of heade rivets adapted to penetrate corresponding openings in said base, said' insulating plate and said to plate and upset overthe latter to secure sai parts in assembled relation, an externally threaded hollow metal bushing carried by said top plate, said bushing having an internal annular `lange, a manually operable lever havin an enlargement adapted to bear against sai ange, said lever having a cylindrical recess in the' lower end thereof, a cylindrical rod of insulating material located within said recess and having a portion projecting therefrom to be guided by the side walls of said slot whereby said lever is limitedto oscillatory movement in a single plane, stationary and movable contact 'elements located' -within said recess, said movable contact Vbeing pivotally su ported by the walls of said recess for oscillatory movement into and out of engagement with said stationary contacts, a'coiled com ression s rin interposed between saidinsu ating rod) and said movable contact lto effect sna movements of the latter upon corresponding movements of lll.

said lever, said spring acting to normally recess, a pair of one-piece combined contact and terminal members having the terminal portions thereof secured to the upper surface of said base and havin the resi ient contact portions thereof exten ing downwardly into said recess, the lower ends of said contact portions being normally biased toward each other, the bottom wall of said recess having abut-ments formed thereon for engagement I by said lower ends to insure a'predetermined i stepped relation to said first mentioned extensions, said additional extensions acting as arcing tips for said contact portions, and a fiat punc ed sheet metal contactor pivotally supported directly by the walls of said recess and movable into and out of engagement with said contact portions, said arcing tips being most closely adjacent to the side edges of said contactor after final separation thereof from said contact portions.

12. As an article of manufacture, a onepiece combined contact andiwiring terminal member for electric snap switches, said member having a wiring terminal portion of substantially U-shape in cross section, the side walls of said terminal ortion being notched to provide` luos bendable into clamping engagement with a circuit wire, whereby solderin of the wire to said terminal portion is facilitated, and said terminal portion also havin an opening formed in the bottom wall t ereof, the walls of said o ening being adapted for engagement wit shoulders formed on a suitable support, whereby endwise movement of 'said terminal portion is prevented upon clamping thereof in assembled position.

,13. As an article of manufacture, a onepiece combined contact and wiring terminal member for electric snap switches, said memberv having a wiring terminal portion of substantially U-shape in cross section, the side walls of said terminal ortion being notched to provide lugs bendable-into clam ing engagement with a circuit wire, where y soldering of the wire to said terminal portion is facilitated, said terminal portion also having an opening formed in the bottom wall thereof, the walls `of said opening being adapted for engagement with shoulders formed on a suitable support, whereby endwisemovement of said terminal portion is prev nted upon clamping thereof. in assembled' position, and a resilient contact portion formed integrally with one side wall of said terminal portion and projecting the latter, said contact portion being of increased width at the lower end thereof, and

said end being. bent in the line of the forward edge of said contact portion Vto facilitate engagement therewith of a movable 'conp tactor of suitable form.

14; As an article of manufacture, a onepiece combined contact and wiring terminal member for electric snap switches, said member havin substantial y U-shape in cross section, the side walls of said terminal portion being notched to provide lugs bendable into clamping en agement with a circuit wire, whereby soldering of the wire to said terminal portion is facilitated, said terminal ortion also having an openin formed in the ottom wall thereof, the wal s of said openin being adapted for engagement with shoulders formed on a suit-ab e support, whereby endwise movement of said terminal portion is prevented upon clamping thereof in assemled osition, and a resilient contact portion ormed integrally'with one side wall of said terminal portion and projecting downwardly at substantially right angles to the latter, said contact portion being offset inwardly from said side wall to extend in a plane intersecting the center of th'e bottom wall of said terminal portion, said contact ortion having forward extensions arranged 1n step ed relation at the lower end thereof, and sald end being bent in the line of the forward edge'of said contact portion to facilitatei engagement therewith of a movable contactor of suitable form.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

l ALVIN W. KRIEGER.

downwardly at substantially right angles to a wiring terminal portion of 

